James Van Der Beek Shared Blessing for Ex Heather McComb Before Death

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Heather McComb didn’t have to wait for this support.

Just a week after marrying Scott Michael Campbell, the former star of Party of Five shared details about the last time she spoke with her ex-husband, James Van Der Beek, and his wife, Kimberly, before his passing in February.

McComb, who was married to Dawson’s Creek star Joshua Jackson from 2003 to 2009, shared a heartwarming detail about a past meeting with Jackson and his then-girlfriend, Kimberly Stewart. She told Us Weekly that both Stewart and Jackson were genuinely happy and supportive when they learned McComb and Jackson were getting married.

The 49-year-old expressed her and Campbell’s gratitude for Van Der Beek’s support as they move forward. Van Der Beek, who has six children with his wife Kimberly (married in 2010), was a big encouragement to them.

Getting his approval for our marriage meant the world to me, and it’s something I’ll cherish forever,” she shared. “Looking back, what I’ll always remember most is how beautifully he loved.

It was such a special day when my husband and I got married! After three wonderful years together, we had a really intimate ceremony, and honestly, it felt like his presence was with us – a dear friend who’d passed away was definitely watching over us, sending his love.

She said it felt like loved ones who had passed away were watching over them that day. It was a magical experience – they saw a double rainbow, two ladybugs, and two white doves, which felt very special.

And McComb shared why it felt spiritually significant for both her and Campbell. 

She also paid tribute to those who couldn’t be with them, saying she believed James would want her to celebrate their relationship, just as he had celebrated his love for Kimberly – a love she described as truly beautiful.

McComb and the actress from Shameless got married in Missoula, Montana, with a small ceremony officiated by her sister and attended by their nearest and dearest.

We were so touched by all the love and support we received,” she shared on Instagram last month. “We’re incredibly grateful to our family and friends who came from all over to celebrate with us. They made the weekend truly magical and unforgettable.

McComb and Campbell really appreciated Van Der Beek’s support, but keep reading to see other celebrities who have shared their experiences with him.

As many of you may have heard, our Dawson’s Creek family is grieving the loss of a dear friend. I wanted to share a bit of what’s been on my heart. I posted on Instagram recently, sending all my love and support to Kimberly and her family – they’ll always be part of ours. Honestly, the kindness and messages we’ve received have been overwhelming, and I’m so grateful. It’s been incredibly difficult to put into words just how special James was and the impact he had on my life. I’m struggling to find the right words right now, and I think I need time to process everything. Right now, my thoughts are entirely with Kimberly and the whole Van Der Beek family. They’re all I can think about, and I’m sending them all my love and strength.

Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th, thanking him. She wrote that it was special to share creative space with him—to collaborate and feel safe expressing themselves. She fondly remembered laughter, conversations, James Taylor music, and the unique experiences of their early careers.

She described him as someone who truly valued life, seeing it as a beautiful creation – like a loving marriage and raising their six children. She called his life a heroic journey and expressed both deep sadness at his passing and immense gratitude for the impact he had on her life.

James’ ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.

James was a truly wonderful person, full of light, love, and talent. He had a great sense of humor, was deeply thoughtful and kind, and had a strong faith that was clear to everyone who knew him. Despite being such a bright and gifted person, he remained humble and relatable. He was always eager to learn, grow, and challenge himself.

She shared, “James was a devoted father and absolutely adored Kimberly. They were true soulmates, and I’ll always be touched by the grace and support she offered him.”

I usually know what to say, but today I’m speechless,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were a truly graceful and courageous fighter. You faced an incredibly difficult challenge with such calm strength and dignity, and I will always love and admire you for it.

She said their recent conversations, just a few days ago, will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the extended Dawson’s Creek family respect their need for quiet at this time, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy.

Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, saying, “Really hard news today.” She starred with James on the show Don’t Trust the B In Apartment 23, where he played a comedic version of himself, and added, “Love you so much James and fake James.”

Fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James, affectionately known as Uncle James to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his constant support, and his willingness to go above and beyond. They recalled how he was there for them during difficult times, like when their dog passed away, and celebrated their joys, such as the birth of their children, arriving with @vanderkimberly as the first to offer congratulations and becoming a true part of their lives’ special moments.

It meant so much to be your friend and share time with you,” she said. “We’ll miss you terribly, and nothing will ever feel quite the same. We promise to love and support your family, and to always remember to find joy and celebrate life, just like you did. We love you and will never forget you.

His Dawson’s Creek colleague shared how thankful they were to have considered James like a brother, adding that they would miss him very much and wishing him peace.

She shared with Entertainment Tonight in March 2026 that she often thinks about him and his family.

It’s a really sad day for everyone who knew and loved James – his friends, fans, and those who supported him through his illness, especially his family. I’m particularly heartbroken for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children,” Busy Phillips, a former colleague, shared in a post.

She shared her deep sadness over the loss of James Van Der Beek, describing him as a truly unique and irreplaceable person. She said she loved him dearly and cherished their friendship over many years, and she’s heartbroken by his passing.

“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”

The actor and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him “A legend in every way.”

The Dancing With the Stars professional shared a heartfelt message, calling the deceased a wonderful father, husband, artist, and a truly special person. They expressed deep sympathy and sent love and comfort to his family.

The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience, describing him as one of the kindest, wisest, and most generous actors he’s ever collaborated with. He added that James will be dearly missed and leaves behind a beautiful legacy, sending his condolences.

 

Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek actor’s passing, the Hamilton writer posted a family photo from the show’s 2025 reunion on Instagram, expressing his sympathy for the Van Der Beek family.

 

I’m absolutely heartbroken. It’s just… James was everything. His team just released a statement, and honestly, it perfectly captures him. They said he fought with such grace and humor, and that his work saved people. I was lucky enough to be his understudy at the Dawson’s Creek reunion last year – can you believe it?! – and getting to know him then was a dream come true. He was such a genuinely kind person, and I’m going to miss him terribly. It feels like losing a piece of the universe, honestly. He had the most amazing ‘galaxy of friends and loved ones’, and my heart goes out to them all.

She shared on Instagram that he demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s plan, even through painful experiences, particularly when those experiences caused him heartbreak.

We sat and watched the sunset together recently, and you shared your thoughts, dreams, and the promises we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things can feel, and how maybe you’re needed in heaven to bring some peace to the world. Right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky, like a sign that everything happens for a reason.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram how deeply saddened she was by the loss, calling the person a beautiful soul. She sent her condolences and prayers to the family, offering support during this difficult time, and letting them know others are there for them.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken, and sent “love, light & strength” to Kimberly Van Der Berg.

The actress expressed her deep sadness, writing, “Sending so much love to Kimberly and her children during this difficult time.”

She remembered him as a truly kind person, and you could feel how much he loved his family. Everyone cared for him deeply. She offered her sincere sympathy to his family, whom he cherished.

She began, calling him a beautiful soul, and said that everyone who knew him was deeply touched by his kindness and wisdom. She spoke of his loving family, especially his incredible connection with Kimberly, a bond that felt destined. She cherished every piece of advice he’d given her, considering his life experience a true treasure she would always remember.

She went on, saying she could barely express how beautifully he wrote. His words reminded everyone what it felt like to experience genuine tenderness in writing. She shared how deeply loved and missed James was, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely stay with them all for a long time.

Kimberly, we’re sending you and your babies all our love! You and James are such a wonderful example of true love, and I’m here for you always, in any way you need.

I was so incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of James Vanderkamp. He was genuinely one of the kindest people in the industry, a devoted father, and a truly talented actor. As a little personal note, he’ll always hold a special place in my heart – he was my very first on-screen kiss when he made a guest appearance on ‘Clarissa Explains It All’!

She shared that he passed away far too young, but fought bravely. They met around two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed a song with his daughter and was a supportive father. She sends her deepest sympathy to his six children, wife, and family.

The Dancing with the Stars professional, who partnered with James during season 28 of the show, shared a heartfelt message saying she was heartbroken by his passing. She wrote that he would always be family and expressed her deep love for him, adding that he could be proud of the person he was. She was thankful she had the chance to say goodbye.

“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”

She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “This news is heartbreaking, and I’m truly sorry for your loss. I’m sending my best wishes to you and your family.”

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James is now at peace and surrounded by love in Heaven. Paul also said his family will be praying for the Van Der Beeks and will be working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering him as a kind person.

The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”

She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit. She also sent her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The One Tree Hill actor shared their condolences, writing, “Sending all my love and support to your family.” They described the deceased as an incredible person, saying, “We are so deeply sorry for your loss. He inspired us all with his words, creativity, and kindness – he made us want to be better people.” They finished with a blessing for the family.

As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”

She wrote in the comments following the announcement of James’ death, sharing her love and gratitude for her friends. She expressed how lucky she felt to have known them for so long, and praised James as an incredible husband, father, and brother figure to her. She was deeply thankful to have seen the love, respect, and care they all shared.

She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”

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2026-06-10 18:20